Share the Warmth: Grief-stricken mother gets helping hand while caring for her disabled son

Margaretís son Timmy was the victim of a violent crime that left him with a traumatic brain injury. Timmy needed care around the clock and was placed in nursing home care until he passed away in 2011. Margaret remained by her sonís bedside for years and battled her own emotions that were coupled with her sonís terrible illness.

Margaret was called to the hospital one evening and left her home in a panicóleaving the water running in her kitchen. Carpets were soaked, along with drywall and other flooring. This was the least of Margaretís worries until mold began to form and unbeknownst to her contributed to her respiratory problems and her own deteriorating health. After Timmy died Margaret slipped into a period of shock and tremendous grief.

ďMy home was falling apart, there were numerous leaks and mold. I didnít care, I was consumed by grief. Then one day I received a phone call from Joe at Good Works. He told me that I had qualified for some assistance. Good Works not only saved my home but they saved my life. Their presence in my home brought me back to life after fourteen months of sadness.Ē

Advertisement

The funding Good Works received from the Share the Warmth campaign fixed Margaretís home. Drywall, carpeting, and new windows were installed and worked so she was no longer trapped in an environment filled with mold. Margaret now volunteers with the bereavement group that Good Works connected her withósharing her experience and hope with others in similar situations. It has helped her move forward with her life and she is helping others at the same time.

Over the past 7 years, nearly 300 local families have been served by the Share the Warmth Program, resulting in 613 home repairs. Please continue to support this important program.

Contributions to the Share the Warmth program can be addressed to: Share the Warmth, c/o Daily Local News, 250 N. Bradford Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382. Attention: Andy Hachadorian, Editor.

This yearís Share the Warmth articles are being written by Tonia D. Kulp, Vice President of Operations for the United Way of Chester County.